ABDOMINAL PAINChamomile, fennel or dill tea. Ginger with lemon and honey. Peppermint tea will relieve spasm in the gut.

ACIDITY Restore acid base balance with amphoteric herbs such as meadowsweet and licorice. Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water or Lemon Juice on rising. ACNE & BOILS Aloe vera, comfrey, dandelion root, echinacea, garlic, Calendula, nettle, slippery elm, tea-tree . Acne spots develop where the oil glands of the skin have become blocked, so caring for the health of the skin is as important as treating individual spots. For 'first aid' treatment of acne spots apply Aloe gel, Comfrey or Calendula ointment, either on its own or mixed with Ti-tree oil or Echinacea. Or dab neat Calendula tincture onto the spots. Lemon juice and Garlic can also be useful. Boils are caused by stress, lowered immunity and being run down. Rest and immune building herbs are very useful here. Kitchen remedy: Grated Potatoes, cabbage or fenugreek poultice will draw out the toxins. ALLERGIES & HAY FEVER There are many underlying reasons for allergies, you should see a good practitioner if they are of a concern, in babies the longer they are breastfed the less allergies appear to be serious by building up their immunity, however, nothing is set in stone, the following herbs are very useful. Chamomile, dandelion root, elderflower, eyebright, lavender, Calendula, nettle, thyme. In an allergic reaction cells leak out into the surrounding area causing swelling, itchiness and redness. It can be a minor irritation or an emergency - if in doubt seek urgent medical advice. Red, itchy or swollen skin which comes up after contact with chemicals, plants, jewelry or from some other cause will be soothed by Calendula or Chamomile, or better still both together. Soak a flannel or clean cloth in the tea and hold in place. Adding Chamomile or Lavender oils or applying either oil neat will also be helpful. Drink large amounts of Nettle tea and at the same time apply it as a lotion. Chickweed cream, or juice squeezed from the fresh plant, will relieve itchiness. For hay fever take frequent cups of Elderflower and Nettle tea (mixed in equal parts). Inhaling Chamomile or Thyme oil can help to stop sneezing and irritation. These oils are strong so use in this way for no more than a day or two at a time. ANXIETY & TENSIONChamomile, cramp bark, lavender, lime flowers. passiflora, valerian. Symptoms of stress and panic are familiar to everyone - tense neck muscles, tight breathing, feeling irritable or panicky and so on. Herbs can bring significant relief. Valerian is especially valuable helping one to relax and unwind even when very anxious. Take Lime flower tea for panic and palpitations. Chamomile is the best herb for anxiety in children. Cramp bark as its name suggests relaxes muscle tension. All these herbs will be more effective if you take other steps to relieve stress - do some form of relaxing exercise or slow deep breathing for example, and avoid drinking too much tea or coffee. ASTHMA This may or may not be a serious condition. Often caused by an allergic reaction to introduced formula or foods. Make sure you recognise whether it’s a shallow reaction (ie. cough comes from throat up) or a deeper underlying cough. Herbs that are useful are; Chamomile, cramp bark, echinacea, garlic, passiflora, thyme, valerian. Caution - do not try to use herbs instead of medication from your GP or hospital. See a medical herbalist if you wish to do this. Asthma can be a life threatening condition DO NOT DELAY seeking proper emergency treatment. Tight-chestedness and mild asthma can be relieved with a mixture of Thyme, Chamomile and either Cramp bark or Valarian - this will help to open up the airways and encourage relaxed breathing. Drink lots of this as a tea; it can also be inhaled under a towel. Thyme is specific for asthma and is very suitable for children. Thyme, Echinacea and Garlic are extremely useful if the tight-chestedness is due to a chest infection. 2 drops each of Chamomile and Thyme essential oil in 1 tsp. (1ml) of almond oil rubbed on to the chest and upper back is well worth trying. Apply 2-3 times a day for a few days. ATHLETE'S FOOT Garlic, Calendula, thyme, tea-tree. Not strictly a first aid problem, athlete's foot can flare up and be a real nuisance. Mix Thyme or Ti-tree oil in Calendula ointment - 5 drops to 1 tsp, and apply 2-3 times a day. Alternatively if the area is small put on neat Ti-tree oil. Avoid wearing socks and shoes made of synthetic materials, and dry your feet carefully after bathing - a non-perfumed talc may help. Treat fungal problems affecting the skin and nails as described above. BACK PAIN Arnica, comfrey, cramp bark, lavender, meadowsweet, thyme, valerian. For back pain caused by accidents rub Arnica or Comfrey ointment into the painful area. You can add Lavender oil 5 drops to 1 tsp (1mL) of ointment. If heat helps the problem, a thyme compress or hot bath with lots of Thyme tea strained into it can bring significant relief. Or add 4 drops each of Thyme and Lavender oil and stir well into the bathwater. Use a hot water bottle! If the pain is due to muscle tension it will respond well to Cramp bark or Valerian. Sometimes you can get astonishing results in this way. If the pain is due to arthritis, Meadowsweet or Feverfew may case it. BEDWETTING Horsetail is useful to strengthen the bladder. Patience is paramount - some boys in particular may not be able to go through the night right up until 10 years old - understanding is the best attitude and some good pull-ups. They will get there in the end. Weak bladders are not confined to the over 40 year olds!!! BITES & STINGS Aloe vera, echinacea, feverfew, garlic, lavender, marigold, sage, tea-tree. Aloe vera gel and Marigold ointment soothe and heal bites and stings, and reduce the chances of infection. Neat Lavender oil or fresh Sage leaves can also be rubbed on to bites and stings. A vinegar compress will help to neutralise wasp stings; baking soda dissolved in water and applied as a compress helps bee stings. Apply Marigold ointment or Lavender oil immediately afterwards. Use Echinacea, Garlic or Ti-tree if the bite becomes infected. Insects can be repelled by using Lavender oil or Feverfew rubbed onto exposed areas. If desperate, eating plenty of Garlic, or crushing it and rubbing into the skin is a great deterrent for humans and insects!!! LEECHES AND TICKS Tea tree oil and salt water good here, make sure you remove the tick with a good pair of tweezers and don't leave the head in. BOILS - sec Acne Aloe vera, comfrey, dandelion root, echinacea, garlic, Calendula, nettle, slippery elm, tea-tree . Acne spots develop where the oil glands of the skin have become blocked, so caring for the health of the skin is as important as treating individual spots. For 'first aid' treatment of acne spots apply Aloe gel, Comfrey or Calendula ointment, either on its own or mixed with Ti-tree oil or Echinacea. Or dab neat Calendula tincture onto the spots. Lemon juice and Garlic can also be useful. Boils are caused by stress, lowered immunity and being run down. Rest and immune building herbs are very useful here BRONCHITIS Echinacea, white horehound, licorice, elderflower, garlic, slippery elm, thyme. Garlic is excellent for bronchitis and deep chesty coughs eat plenty crushed fresh in to your food or take capsules. Echinacea tablets will be helpful too to fight the infection. Thyme and Elderflower make a very good tea that eases breathing and coughing. Thyme oil diluted in almond oil- 5 drops to 1 tsp and warmed to body temperature makes a good chest rub (BE CAREFUL THYME IS VERY STRONG IT CAN BURN). Bronchitis thrives on cold, damp and polluted air - keep warm and perhaps use an ioniser! Burn Thyme oil in your bedroom. BRUISES Arnica, Comfrey. Bruises will heal rapidly and effectively with frequent applications of Comfrey ointment or poultices. Arnica is also extremely helpful. Apply as soon as possible after an injury (arnica to unbroken skin only) and you will help to keep the bruised area to a minimum. If the skin is broken, BURNS Aloe vera, Lavender, and Marigold. Firstly, burns can be a medical emergency - if the burn is severe or deep even over a small area. get immediate medical assistance. Secondly, bums need cold water - wherever the burn either immerse it directly in cool, clean water or soak clean sheet and wrap carefully around the burnt area. Keep cold for up to 3 hours - not only does this relieve pain but it reduces the damage to the burnt area. Once cooled apply lots of Aloe vera gel. Thirdly, if the burn is severe but covers a small area only, bandage with lint (soaked in aloe vera if possible) and give the patient a drink of water with i'tsp of Valerian tincture or 4 drops of the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy added. Both will help to ease the shock. If the burn is suitable for home treatment and you do not have Aloe vera gel, apply Marigold ointment or neat Lavender oil- both are very healing and Lavender will help to relieve pain. If nothing else is available use honey - it is sterile and contains natural antibiotic substance fantastic to help heal the skin quickly. For minor scalds cucumber slices are cooling and soothing. Making up a water spray with emergency essence and solaris is also very calming and effective. CATARRH & SINUS PROBLEMS Echinacea, Elderflower, Eyebright, Garlic, Lime flowers, Sage, Thyme. Mix Elderflower, Lime flower and Thyme tea to reduce catarrh production and soothe and relieve many catarrhal problems you can drink lots of it, up to 6 cups a day for a week if necessary. Echinacea and Garlic are very helpful too, cleansing and improving the resistance of the nasal membranes to infection. Thyme and Peppermint tea can be inhaled from a basin - by put a cloth over your head and breathing in the steam. Lastly, go swimming!! Swallowing and snorting salt water can bring a lot of relief. Also, cut out intake of dairy produce and sugar. These are mucous forming foods fuelling catarrhal issues. Go eat Sushi with plenty of wasabi. Wasabi peas, cayenne pepper in some warm water (if you can tolerate it) Take a supplement with garlic, horseradish and vitamin C. CHILBLAINS Aloe vera, Calendula Take a piece of fresh ginger root and squeeze the juice over unopened chilblains. You can do the same with lemon juice. Calendula ointment and Aloe vera gel will help to heal open sores and reduce itchiness. Taking Cinnamon, Garlic, Ginger, Horseradish and Chilli regularly will improve circulation in the long term. CHILDREN'S AILMENTS Colic, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Cradlecap, Infections, Nappy rash, Sleeplessness, Teething. Herbal medicine is well suited to children. Chamomile, Elderflowers, Fennel, Lime flowers, Calendula, Nettle and Thyme are particularly safe for children and can be given to babies and infants with confidence. For dosaging refer back to HERBS AND CHILDREN. Teas and tinctures may be mixed with honey, or diluted apple juice. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with honey etc. A bath can be an easy way to give herbs to babies and young children - especially for itchiness and overtiredness. If you are breastfeeding take the adult dose of the appropriate herb for your child, this may be passed on through your milk. COLD SORES Propolis, lemon balm. It is important to relieve stress either mentally or physically. Plenty of sleep or rest. You could try rubbing a piece of garlic clove over tingling area and take a good supplement containing lysine. A good multi B complex will also help with stressors. COLDS & FLUS Echinacea, Elderflowers, Garlic, Lime flowers, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, Tea Tree. Go for a basic mix of teas elderflowers and peppermint, add some honey and lemon for taste and added assistance. This makes a relaxing and refreshing tea that really does take the edge off some of the symptoms. Add Lime flowers if headache is a problem. Use Sage for sore throats, and with Peppermint for gastric symptoms. For more serious colds and flu take Echinacea, Garlic or Thyme as well. Thyme and Tea-tree oils can be used in an essential oil burner, or put a few drops on the pillow or a handkerchief. Use Garlic and Ginger. If suffering flu, plenty of bed rest and liquids but don’t force yourself to eat ‘Starve a cold, feed a fever’. Drink fresh fruit juices and plenty of herb teas and water. Lemon and lime are particularly good. NOTE: If the fever is above 39° and the child is no longer playing with their toys or interacting seek professional advice. Hot chicken soup is excellent for the colds and flu, AND ALL RECUPERATION. Throw in some onions, garlic and other winter root vegies you’ll have a potent tonic and a great lunch! Hot and Sour Soup from the local Chinese is really soothing, and try hot ginger ale. Lemon & Brandy Syrup Mix: 1/2 pint of honey 2 Tbsps. lemon juice 2 jiggers brandy 1 tsp. cayenne pepper Mix all this up together, refrigerate. Take 1 tablespoon full (when coughing) or once an hour. This mixture heats up the blood vessels in the throat and soothes coughing, the cayenne acting as a blood cleanser. COLIC Chamomile and Fennel are well known for relieving colic and wind. They are best taken as unsweetened teas. Chamomile tea strained into a bath can also help. Slippery elm powder can be made up as gruel and is very soothing for sensitive young digestions. It is also very nutritious. CONSTIPATION Cramp bark, Dandelion, Slippery elm. Take Slippery elm tablets or linseed daily to help regulate bowel habits. Dandelion root may be drunk as a tea or coffee and has a mild laxative effect. Avoid Senna, it is very harsh for the tummy and can become addictive. A well-qualified medical herbalist will happily make you up an effective herbal mix which is gently and safer than sienna tabs. Eat foods like raw carrots, apples, porridge oats and whole meal bread as well as dried fruit such as figs and prunes. Drink plenty of water. Do regular exercise. COUGHS Sundew syrup and wild cherry bark for stubborn dry coughs keeping you awake at night, otherwise it is important to look at why it may be allergy or infection CRADLE CAP Apply olive or wheat germ oil to the scalp and let it soak in well. Calendula ointment is also useful. CRAMPS - see Muscle Aches Magnesium powder is fantastic!!! Also baths with Epsom salts and lavender. Arnica, cramp bark, lavender, meadowsweet, thyme . A hot bath, perhaps with 4-5 drops of Lavender or Thyme oil, and a good night's sleep, will often be enough to case tired and aching muscles. Muscle aches due to a viral infection (as with flu) need Echinacea and EJderflower internally. Vitamin B complex may also be useful. CUTS, GRAZES & WOUNDS Cayenne Pepper. Aloe vera, Comfrey, Echinacea, Lavender, Calendula and Tea Tree. For minor wounds herbal first aid is safe and effective, it will promote healing and help to prevent scarring. The aim is to reduce bleeding, cleanse, relieve pain and heal. To stop or slow bleeding press firmly on the cut and maintain pressure for 1-2 minutes. Take Nettle tea to help stop bleeding. Clean with calendula and chamomile tea. Use Calendula/Echinacea tincture diluted in warm water to clean. Soak pieces of cotton wool and gently wash out grit, glass etc. until the wound is quite clean. If pus occurs use some tea tree oil or lavender oil and wash gently every 2-3 hours. Slippery elm as a poultice will draw out the infection. Kitchen tip: Mashed Garlic is also very effective for septic wounds - put in muslin and hold in place. CYSTITIS Cornsilk, Echinacea, Nettle. Cystitis is infection of the bladder and urinary tubes. It can be mild with frequent urination and a burning pain or it can be acute, with fever, significant pain, blood in the urine and the danger of infection spreading up to the kidneys. In the home, mild cases of cystitis can be treated by following a few simple rules: drink lots of water and herb teas especially Comsilk (though Nettle will help too); eat plenty of parsley and celery; drink diluted unsweetened cranberry juice if available; avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, orange juice and hot spices; and most important of all - keep warm and use a hot water bottle. You can use these suggestions in acute cystitis too but you should see a medical herbalist or GP as well. If symptoms are linked with sexual activity be fastidious about hygiene and empty bladder before and after penetration. DIARRHOEA Chamomile, Echinacea, Garlic, Calendula, Meadowsweet, Peppermint, Sage, Slippery elm . Diarrhoea can be a healing response by the body to eliminate toxins in the gut and it is better not to 'stop it in its tracks' unless you have to. (NB Children dehydrate very easily ensure as much hydration as possible). Drink large amounts of water or diluted lemon or carrot juice. For diarrhoea caused by gastro-enteritis, if your stomach will allow it, take Echinacea, Garlic or Calendula all of which will raise your resistance to the infection. You should take these as well, along with acidophilus capsules. Diarrhoea caused by taking penicillin or antibiotics maybe helped by drinking Chamomile and Meadowsweet tea and probiotics. Fresh lemon juice (diluted) with honey or sugar is great for children and will rehydrate. If the diarrhoea is uncontrolled consult your GP or medical herbalist. Here are a few recipes to try: Apple Cider Vinegar Cure 1 glass of room temperature water 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture every 5 minutes Make up a second batch and take 2 teaspoons every 5 minutes Make up a third batch and take a sip of it every 15 minutes Blackberry Wine Cure Adults: Take 1-2 ounces of blackberry wine Children and babies: Smaller amounts Carrot Soup Remedy Cook 1 pound of carrots in 5 ounces or more of water until soft. Strain the pulp or blend in blender and add boiled water to make 1 quart. Add 3/4 tsp salt (to correct sodium imbalance in body). Eat small amounts every half hour. Garlic Cure Eat fresh raw, or take capules, powder or tablets Lemon Cure Take straight lemon juice!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to rinse out mouth to prevent tooth enamel erosion. Avoid high fiber foods for 1-2 days, eat boiled white rice and bananas Eat yogurt EARACHE Mix up some mullein oil and garlic into some olive oil and use on cotton wool or with droppers - IT WORKS!!!! EYE PROBLEMS Chamomile, elderflower, eyebright, fennel, Calendula. Herbal first aid for common eye problems is often successful and if you follow the suggestions below you should get good results in all but stubborn cases. Conjunctivitis or 'red-eye' - Make Eyebright tea at normal strength and filter carefully. When it reaches body temperature put in a clean eyebath and bathes affected eyes thoroughly for a couple of minutes. You can do this 3-4 times a day. A few grains of salt added to the eyebath will help too. Alternatively add 2-4 drops of Eyebright tincture to an eyebath of warm spring water. Elderflower tea made in the same way is also effective. Strained and tired eyes - rest is obviously the best answer but also use a Chamomile or Fennel teabag (from which you have just made a cup of tea)! Place the warm teabag over the closed eye and hold in place for a few minutes. Both are soothing and relaxing. A slice of cucumber on tired hot eyes is cooling. FRACTURES, SPRAINS & BROKEN BONES Comfrey is the herb for all damaged bones and ligaments. Apply Comfrey ointment over the whole area as soon as possible after the accident. A Comfrey poultice will be just as good. You can also take Comfrey leaf tea internally to further speed up the rate of healing -If the skin has been broken put Calendula ointment on the wound and comfrey all around it. Arnica ointment may help to relieve pain and can also help to speed the rate of healing. FUNGAL INFECTIONS - see Athlete's foot and Thrush Propolis tincture is an extremely effective treatment for all types of fungal infections. Tea and Lavender and also extremely effective. Use a douche applicator with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice this will restore the vaginal pH HANGOVERS Dandelion, Fennel, Peppermint. There are 3 immediate things you can do to help a hangover: 1) drink lots of water or diluted fruit juice - especially lemon juice, 2) drink a cup or two of Dandelion root coffee 3) if you can manage it cut bananas and salads, especially watercress. All these will help to break down and flush out alcohol from your body, and to replace some of the lost vitamins and minerals. HAY FEVER - see Allergies HEADACHES & MIGRAINES Feverfew, lavender, lime flowers, peppermint, valerian. Headaches can develop for all sorts of reasons - anxiety, eye strain, and neck tension, it is important to find out the cause Peppermint, lemon balm, valerian and lime flowers are soothing as a mix or independent. If there is sinus issues; Elderflower and Lime flowers together work very well, relieving aches and reducing catarrh. Gently massaging your neck and scalp will often help to relieve a headache. Rub a few drops of Lavender oil onto your temples or the back of your neck. Feverfew is the best herb for migraines though the herbs suggested above will be helpful too. Try and take the Feverfew before the migraine has started. HEADLICE The scourge of every mum!!!! However this is an easy and adaptable recipe, which you can add to your conditioner and leave on overnight if necessary. 25 drops rosemary oil, 25 drops lavender oil, 5 drops geranium oil, 13 drops geranium oil, 12 drops eucalyptus oil , 1/3 cup cold-pressed vegetable oil, Add this mixture to conditioner. Combine all. Divide hair into small sections, saturate each section from roots to ends of hair. All areas of hair and scalp MUST be saturated. Put on a snug fitting shower cap to prevent evaporation of the oils or wrap plastic around hair and scalp. Remove shower cap or plastic wrap after 2 hours. Shampoo well, rinse well. Comb with fine toothed comb. Repeat every 3 days until no longer needed. Make up a spray of Lavender, Tea Tree, Geranium and keep handy by the front door before the kids put their school hats on, smells lovely!! HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING Nettle tea taken frequently when bleeding will help to reduce a heavy flow, and provide a good intake of iron at the same time. Other herbs can be helpful, such as raspberry leaf, shepherd's purse and yarrow. A good iron supplement is Mediherb FEPlex or go for an activated B Complex with Iron. HICCUPS Chamomile, Fennel and Peppermint drink as teas or stand on your head for two minutes!!! INDIGESTION, ACIDITY & VOMITING Indigestion and acidity are probably treated better with herbal medicine than anything else and there is a wide range of herbs to choose from. Meadowsweet tea is specific for acid indigestion and will generally bring quick relief. It goes well mixed in equal parts with Chamomile or Calendula, and these two teas are also effective in their own right, settling indigestion and nausea. Fennel is helpful where wind is the major problem. Slippery elm 'food' can be invaluable taken regularly before meals, helping to protect and soothe the stomach from imitation. Use Peppermint for indigestion or wind. An apple a day so to speak keeps the doc away always great to chew slowly for gas or hiccups. INFECTIONS Children often run high fevers - sometimes when they are not ill in any other way - so it is important not to worry unduly if your child has a fever. Provided that the temperature is not over 39°C/102°F your child is unlikely to need the support of your GP or herbalist. Give regular cups of Elderflower, Lime flower or Meadowsweet tea. These herbs all help to keep a fever under control. Echinacea and Thyme are suitable for young children suffering from infections and will improve their resistance and rate of recovery. Thyme and Elderflower together are very good for chest infections. Use plenty of cool cloths on the brow soaking in chamomile tea. ITCHINESS & SKIN RASHES Aloe vera, chamomile, comfrey, lavender, marigold, peppermint, for very itchy skin try any of the herbs listed above that you have readily available. Chamomile and Calendula teas are likely to be helpful, especially if mixed together and applied as a lotion. Calendula cream on its own or with 2-3 drops of Chamomile, Lavender or Peppermint oil will also be effective. If the skin is weeping use Aloe vera gel. Chickweed cream if you can find it is extremely good, or gather the fresh plant and squeeze the juice directly on to itchy areas. If the problem persists see a medical herbalist. JOINT PAIN & STIFFNESS Arnica, comfrey, cramp bark, feverfew. lavender, meadowsweet, nettle, thyme for short term relief of joint pain and stiffness, first ask yourself if the joint is hot, and perhaps swollen, or whether it is cold. If hot a pack of frozen peas put on the joint will help to cool it and reduce the pain. Lavender oil diluted 10 drops to I tsp of almond oil (or better still St. John's Wort oil) and massage in gently will bring relief. If cold, use heat - have a hot bath. Add strong Thyme tea, or 5 drops of rosemary oil, or Epsom Salts to it and soak for 20-25 minutes. Or use a hot water bottle or a hot compress Comfrey or cabbage (see 'Kitchen medicines') will reduce the pain. You can also try rubbing in Arnica ointment. Meadowsweet and Cramp bark, taken internally, can help to reduce pain whether the joint is hot or cold, Feverfew, again internally, is worth trying as a pain reliever if no other treatment has worked. Turmeric in warm milk is an ancient aryvedic cure-all for aches and pains. MIGRAINE Feverfew, lavender, lime flowers, peppermint, valerian. Headaches can develop for all sorts of reasons - anxiety, eye strain, and neck tension, it is important to find out the cause Peppermint, lemon balm, valerian and lime flowers are soothing as a mix or independent. If there is sinus issues; Elderflower and Lime flowers together work very well, relieving aches and reducing catarrh. Gently massaging your neck and scalp will often help to relieve a headache. Rub a few drops of Lavender oil onto your temples or the back of your neck. Feverfew is the best herb for migraines though the herbs suggested above will be helpful too. Try and take the Feverfew before the migraine has started. MUSCLE ACHES & CRAMPS Epsom salts bath, magnesium and lavender NAPPYRASH Aloe vera, Comfrey or Calendula ointment (rather than a cream) will help with this common problem. Dry the affected skin as much as possible, allow your child time without a nappy on as much as possible. Sometimes nappy rash can be complicated by thrush - if this could be the case try adding 1 drop of Tea-tree oil to 1 tsp. of Calendula ointment and apply at each change. NOSEBLEEDS Pinching the nostrils gently and drinking a strong cup of Calendula or Nettle tea will stop a nosebleed in most cases. Use 2-3 tsp. of herb to a cup and take a further cup if needed. Take Eyebright if the nosebleed starts because of excessive sneezing or nose-blowing. Ice on the back of the neck, whilst pinching the nostrils, often in the summer builders and workers overheat possibly over thinning the blood and this may cause nosebleeds. Cool and system down and relax. PAINFUL PERIODS Chamomile, cramp bark, lavender, passiflora, valerian Herbs can bring quick relief to period pains and cramps. As its name suggests Cramp bark is very helpful for period cramps and pains - take 10m! of tincture up to 4 times a day. If emotional stress or tension is part of the problem take Valerian as well. Passiflora relieves pain but makes one sleepy. Massaging Chamomile or Lavender oil (diluted 5 drops to I tsp of almond oil) over your womb and lower abdomen is often helpful, or add 5 drops of either oil to a bath. POOR SLEEP Zizyphus, skullcap, kava, chamomile, lavender (as a tea), lime flowers, passiflora, valerian Herbal medicine can be extremely helpful for insomnia and you run no risk of becoming addicted. Zizyphus, Lemon Balm and Chamomile are mild, and suitable as a relaxing night time drink, especially so if indigestion or menopausal symptoms plays a part PRE-MENSTRUAL TENSION Lime flowers, passiflora, valerian, magnesium. First aid treatment for PMT will really only touch the surface of the problem. Herbal medicine can be extremely effective in preventing premenstrual symptoms but treatment normally takes a few months. In the short term you can try Valerian and Lime flowers together if the main problem is irritability and snappiness. For exhaustion and low spirits take rosemary tea, or put 5 drops of rosemary essential oil in a morning bath. For difficulty in sleeping take Passiflora. Avoid tea and coffee, and try to exercise regularly. REFLUX OR COLIC Fennel Dill: Give 1 teaspoon of brewed tea before feeding if distress is anticipated. To relieve colic, give 1 teaspoon as needed. Chamomile, Fennel and ginger teas all help to ease nausea and vomiting- use 1-2 slices of fresh ginger root. If you get frequent digestive problems go and see an herbalist. He or she will not only give you suitable herbs but advise you about what to eat, and not to eat! SHINGLES Echinacea, garlic, lavender, tea-tree. Shingles is a sign of nervous exhaustion. Eat plenty of oats, e.g. as porridge oats or oatcakes, as this is a 'food' for the nerves. To ease the pain and speed the healing of the blisters add 5 drops each of Lavender and Ti-tree oils to 1 tsp of almond or olive oil (St. John's Wort oil is better) and massage gently in. Take Echinacea and Garlic to improve resistance to the infection. SHOCK Chamomile, Lime flowers, passiflora, valerian. Shocks can be eased by sipping Lime flower tea - use 2 tsp to a cup - and taking drops of the Emergency Bushflower essence or Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. Together they can have a very soothing effect. SINUSITIS Echinacea, Elderflower, Eyebright, Garlic, Lime flowers, Sage, Thyme. Mix Elderflower, Lime flower and Thyme tea to reduce catarrh production and soothe and relieve many catarrhal problems you can drink lots of it, up to 6 cups a day for a week if necessary. Echinacea and Garlic are very helpful too, cleansing and improving the resistance of the nasal membranes to infection. Thyme and Peppermint tea can be inhaled from a basin - by put a cloth over your head and breathing in the steam. Lastly, go swimming!! Swallowing and snorting salt water can bring a lot of relief. Also, cut out intake of dairy produce and sugar. These are mucous forming foods fuelling catarrhal issues.. Go eat Sushi with plenty of wasabi. Wasabi peas, cayenne pepper in some warm water (if you can tolerate it) Take a supplement with garlic, horseradish and vitamin C. SLEEPLESSNESS/IRRITABILITY OVERACTIVITY Herbs are ideally suited for soothing a child and helping them to relax. Catnip and chamomile are the first herbs of choice - as a tea or in the bath - but if not strong enough try Lime flowers. Both of these can be given to children frequently if need be. SORE BREASTS Chamomile, marigold For sore breasts make a Chamomile poultice - make a tea with 2 tbsp of flowers to I mug of boiling water and leave to stand for 10 mins. Soak this tea in a flannel or wrap in fine cloth like muslin, and hold gently in place on the sore areas. Keep in place until it has cooled. Reducing your caffeine intake may well be helpful. For sore nipples apply Calendula ointment regularly - if breastfeeding, wipe off the ointment before feeding as the child may be put off by the taste and smell. Of course you cannot go past cabbage leaves kept in the freezer. Make sure you build up your immunity with Echinacea and lymphatic herbs such as Poke Root and Calendula. Consult a qualified practitioner. SORE THROATS Echinacea, elderflower, garlic, sage, thyme, zinc and propolis lozenges and a first stop, a herbal throat spray to hand is great. Sage makes an excellent gargle for sore throats. Gargle with the tea or diluted tincture for a couple of minutes 2-5 times a day. Also mix it with other herbs to good effect e.g. Echinacea and Thyme. Swallow the gargle and get the benefit intemally as well. For the brave there are 2 further suggestions - 1) add a pinch of cayenne pepper when making the tea to stimulate the body's resistance!, and 2) go to sleep with a clove of Garlic in your mouth - crush it between your teeth and keep in your cheek! Both of these are effective but slightly fierce ways of getting through a sore throat quickly. Sore throats that tum into tonsillitis need lots of Garlic, Echinacea and Thyme. Sage and Elderflower will be useful too. In general avoid dairy produce and sugar rich foods. Drink fresh lemon juice and honey with warm water. See also 'Colds & Flus'. Salt water is a fabulous remedy. Recipe: milk , honey, cinnamon Heat milk at medium heat. Add 2 or 3 teaspoons of honey in a mug. Add the warm milk and stir. Add a pinch of cinnamon. And drink. Do gargling using warm water + any mouthwash (listerine). Cleaning of throat is very essential step. Above 1 & 2 step heals and make throat smooth. But the mucus that is formed should be removed, so that your throat get cure faster. One way to treat excess mucus in the throat is to drink lemon tea with honey. Not only will the lemon help remove excess mucus, but also the honey will soothe any throat irritation that has been caused by excessive throat clearing. The tea works best when it's consumed warm. SPLINTERS Calendula/Marigold, slippery elm Tweezers and a needle are the main needs, but herbal first aid can help in a surprising way. Deeply embedded splinters can be 'drawn out' using Slippery elm powder and Calendula tincture. Apply the mixed paste over the splinter and keep firmly in place for at least 1-2 hours. Any pus is likely to have been drawn and the splinter should be much easier to remove. If not, repeat the process. STOMACH ACHES & PAINS Chamomile, cramp bark, garlic, marigold, peppermint Chamomile, Calendula and Peppermint. These 3 may be taken on their own or combined and will often soothe a troubled digestion. For colicky pains take Cramp bark and Chamomile. Ginger tea - 1 level tsp of dried ginger root per cup - is very beneficial for stomach infections and goes well with Garlic. Ginger tea, ale or capsules is excellent for nausea, gas and indigestion Peppermint Tea is good for nausea, gas, stomach ache and bloating Fennel relieves stomach cramps and gas and aids in digestion Dill is good for gas and indigestion Basil is excellent for reducing gas Cinnamon helps gas, diarrhea, and upset stomach Catnip tea is effective for bouts of diarrhea Cayenne has a healing effect on ulcers Marshmallow root is highly recommended for ulcers and colitis Angelica aids digestion Anise seeds aid digestion Caraway aids digestion Cardamom aids digestion Dill aids digestion Club soda helps indigestion Avoid soft drinks containing caffeine helps indigestion SUNBURN Aloe vera, chamomile, lavender, marigold Calendula ointment or Aloe vera gel. Both will reduce the pain and stimulate the healing of the bum. Use lavender spray and solaris bushflower essence. Apply aloe vera gel Strawberry juice is an excellent sunburn soother Lettuce juice is soothing and cooling to the skin making it a great sunburn remedy Cucumber juice is another excellent sunburn soother For instant sunburn relief, blend 2 tbsps. castor oil, 1 tsp. baking soda and a pinch of salt. Apply to affected area. Lavender Sunburn Oil 6 Tbsp olive oil 3 Tbsp cider vinegar 1/2 tsp iodine 10 drops lavender oil Mix all ingredients together and bottle. Apply gently to relieve sunburned skin. Apply apple cider vinegar TEETH GRINDING High dose magnesium powder (orotate) is very useful as are herbs for insomnia and stress. TEETHING Chamomile or elderflower tea will help to relieve fractiousness and irritability. Slippery elm powder made into a paste and rubbed in to the gums can be very soothing. Or rub diluted lavender oil, 2-3 drops to 1 tsp , externally on the cheeks over the site of the teething. Brauer do a fantastic teething relief liquid, very inexpensive and works beautifully. You could freeze some chamomile icy poles, particularly in warm weather, soothes, cools and calms. THRUSH Echinacea, garlic, marigold, propolis, thyme, tea tree Vaginal thrush is increasingly common nowadays as it often develops as a side-effect of taking antibiotics, or in conjunction with spennicides. Drink 3-4 cups of Calendula tea a day, and use it locally as a douche or in a sitz bath. If this does not relieve soreness and itching use Tea-tree pessaries. These may sting to start with but are often very helpful. Also try putting live yoghurt into your vagina - it helps to soothe, and to counter the candida infection. You should also take Garlic and/or Echinacea tablets or tincture to help raise your immunity. For oral thrush all of the herbs listed above (except tea-tree) can be taken as mouthwashes. Particularly Propolis tincture in general you should eat lots of Garlic and live yoghurt and avoid sugar, fermented foods, and alcohol. The BEST THING is a vaginal douche applicator filled with warm apple cider vinegar. TINEA Propolis or tea tree - use in a footbath TOOTHACHE, TEETH & GUM PROBLEMS Cloves, myrrh, thyme, marigold, passiflora, sage, slippery elm. Cloves or clove oil are the best first aid remedy for toothache. Put one drop of the oil on the painful tooth or suck a clove next to it. A lost filling can be plugged temporarily with chewing gum or slightly moistened Slippery elm powder. For sore and bleeding gums use Sage and Eyebright tea regularly as a mouthwash. For infected gums use either diluted Calendula tincture on cotton wool or suck a clove of Garlic! For mouth ulcers use Sage tea or tincture and dab neat on to ulcers. Also try dabbing neat clove oil onto them. Both will sting to start with. Use Propolis tincture in warm water. Rub some oil of cloves into the gums Stir 1 teaspoon of salt into an 8 oz glass of water. Swish water around in the mouth for about a minute, spit out salt water. Swish whiskey around the sore tooth Chew on or hold a piece of ice on/around the sore tooth to numb the pain. Put a piece of a garlic clove inside the cavity or between the bad tooth and your cheek. It kills the pain and guards against infection. Add 2 teaspoons of red sage leaves to 2 cups of water, bring to boil, steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Gargle with the warm solution several times a day. 6 ounces distilled water 2 ounces prickly ash bark Reduce in volume to 2 ounces by simmering, NOT boiling, over low heat. Strain and add enough table salt to make a very thin paste. Rub mixture, with fingers, on tooth area and gums once daily for 2 days. Variation: Add a few drops of peppermint oil TRAVEL SICKNESS & MORNING SICKNESS Chamomile, fennel or ginger. A good strong cup of Chamomile tea taken before a journey will reduce the chances of travel sickness - in children and adults. If you do not get on with Chamomile, Fennel can be as effective. Research has shown that ginger tea - best used as a slice or two of fresh root per cup - is also very effective for sickness and nausea. suck a piece of ginger root or crystallized ginger WARTS Dandelion, garlic, marigold, thyme, tea-tree Warts can be notoriously hard to get rid of, though they can also disappear overnight! The white juice from Dandelion leaves and stems put on twice daily for a few weeks will often remove warts. Also try Calendula ointment mixed with 4 drops of Tea-tree or Thyme oil. Garlic has a long reputation for clearing warts - rub a cut clove onto wart at least twice a day! WATER RETENTION Dandelion root or leaf, Corn silk. Cutting down on salt . Drink dandelion, cornsilk to help the kidneys do their work. WIND Chamomile, echinacea, fennel, garlic, marigold, peppermint, sage This can be a stubborn problem. Adjusting one's diet can make an immediate difference - dairy produce, wheat, fermented and sugary foods are often involved, and it may be worth trying to cut them out, in rotation for a week at a time. Chamomile, Fennel, and especially Peppermint are useful for windy digestions. Take them regularly. Sage tea is good for weak digestions helping to improve digestive function. Where wind is due to infection Garlic, Echinacea and Calendula will be beneficial.